Intro to Model Railroading

Welcome to the wonderful and fascinating world of model railroading! This
is a place where you can let your imagination come alive. Maybe you had a
train set as a child and want to revisit your youth. Or maybe you have children
of your own and want to get them started in the hobby. Whatever the reason,
we’re glad you stopped by Atlas, the trusted name in track, accessories,
locomotives and freight cars, to check it out.

What scale?
When you start on the path to model railroading, the most important question
you'll have to answer is which scale is right for you. Take our quiz
to find out. Some of the terms tossed around in the hobby may seem intimidating,
and words like scale and gauge are no exception, so let's define them and
help you on your way. The three most popular scales are:

HO Scale
This is the most popular scale and is 1:87 proportion to the prototype. It
requires a small area for a layout, using a sheet of plywood or even a bookshelf
for some of the smaller layouts, and there are many products available for
HO scale modelers. The track it runs on is 16.5mm gauge. Atlas makes three
types of HO track (Code 100, Code 83 & True-Track). For more information,
click here.

N Scale
N scale is the second most popular scale and quite small, being 1:160 proportioned
to the prototype. Smaller trains will mean less detail, but you can run a
large layout in a smaller area than HO. The gauge on the track is 6.5mm. Atlas
makes two types of N scale track (Code 80 & Code 55). For more information,
click here.

O Scale
“O” is the largest of the common model trains, with a proportion
of 1:48 of the prototype. This requires a larger area than HO or N for a layout
and the trains and accessories are more costly but also more detailed. O scale
track is 1-1/4" gauge. For more information about our O product line,
please visit the Atlas O web site.

How Do I Get Started?
There are several ways you can get started in this great hobby. The easiest
way is to purchase a train set. Train sets are great because they usually
contain the locomotives, cars, power pack and track you need to be up and
running in a few minutes.

Another easy way to start is by getting a basic track starter set from Atlas.
These are great because they enable you to start out with a great track system
and let you pick and choose what locomotives and freight cars you want to
use. Atlas makes several different Starter Sets in different scales.

These starter sets are a snap for beginners to assemble. Each contains enough
Snap-Track®, Snap-Switches® and components to assemble a 38”
x 56” oval layout with passing siding. Complete assembly instructions
are provided.

Atlas also makes s special track pack for the World’s
Greatest Hobby Layout. Atlas' HO True-Track is a premium "all-in-one"
roadbed track made with nickel silver rail and brown ties (HO Code 83 track)
for realistic appearance. This set contains all the track you need to create
the World's Greatest Hobby Layout.

For added value, this set also includes the official "Building your
first railroad" video. This instructional video teaches you everything
you need to know about building a model railroad layout, including easy methods
for laying track, wiring techniques and more! Narrated by Michael Gross, actor
and model railroad enthusiast. 60 minutes. VHS.

You can all the products mentioned above at your local hobby store or visit
our online
store.

Another way to get started is by building a layout from the traditional way.
Atlas makes a few different layout books with interesting track plans to suit
any level, from beginner, intermediate and advanced. (Click
here for more information.) Usually you would set up your track on a sheet
of plywoord, maybe a 4’ x 8 sheet’ or a table.

How Should I Power My Layout?
You have basically two options when powering your layout. You can choose to
power your layout using DC or direct current or DCC using Digital Command
Control. For more information about DC wiring, please click
here. For more information about DCC, please click
here.

What Tools Will I Need?The Basic Model Railroading Book, by Kalmbach Publishing Company,
suggests using hobby knives, including X-acto handles with no. 11 (pointed)
and no. 17 (chisel-end) blades, a scale rule for markings, tweezers, needle
files, small screwdrivers, paint brushes and pliers to name a few tools. As
you start to get a feel for the activities you enjoy doing you will see which
tools you will use more often than others.

What About Scenery?
Several manufacturers make good scenery products for your model railroad.
You can check them at your local hobby store. You can also buy reference books,
which will give you helpful tips, and tricks on making your railroad extremely
realistic.